South Korean officer gets suspended sentence for demanding bribe from DUI suspect

A South Korean police officer has been handed a suspended prison sentence for soliciting bribes from a suspect he was investigating. The 60-year-old officer, identified only by his surname Kim, was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for one year, and fined 1 million won (approximately $720 USD) for demanding money and alcohol.

Kim was accused of approaching a suspect involved in a drunk driving case, identified as Mr. Lee, after a settlement had been reached with the victim. The officer allegedly told Lee that the investigation was complete and that the team would be having a dinner, requesting 300,000 won for the meal and a bottle of liquor. He also sent a text message asking Lee to bring a bottle of liquor from the supermarket when he came to the police station.

Prosecutors argued that Kim's actions constituted bribery, as he solicited funds in relation to his official duties. Kim had claimed there was no direct quid pro quo, but the court rejected this defense. The Incheon District Court stated that the officer's proactive demand for money from a suspect severely undermined public trust in the impartiality of law enforcement. However, the court considered Kim's lack of prior offenses, his long service record, and the fact that the bribe was ultimately not paid when deciding on the suspended sentence.